NFU v Runcorn Linnets (FAC 3Q)

North Ferriby United return to FA Cup action on Saturday when they entertain North West Counties Premier Division side Runcorn Linnets.

Runcorn are in fifth place with games in hand on the clubs above them. They have won 8 and drawn two of their 11 league games, scoring 22 goals and conceding 17. It will be the first time the two clubs have met. Ferriby will be looking to reach the Fourth Qualifying Round for only the second time in their history.

The Villagers will be hoping for a large crowd for what will be the major soccer fixture on the North Bank this Saturday. Hull City have no fixture and with the rugby league season over the match provides an opportunity for sport-loving fans to visit the Eon Visual Media Stadium.

Ferriby are playing attractive football so an entertaining game is in prospect. They move the ball round well and create plenty of goal-scoring chances. The side is strong defensively and opposing teams find it hard to set-up clear chances against them.

The Villagers will be glad to be at home again after three successive away games. A win is important as it provides not only a place in the next round but also the prize money.

Ferriby will start as clear favourites but they know that games such as this can be banana skins. The Villagers go into the game on the back of a good run of form. They moved up to second place in the Skrill North on Tuesday night with a single goal win at Vauxhall Motors.

Manager Billy Heath and his Assistant Manager Bobby Carroll will be expecting their side to make progress but they will be warning their players about being over-confident.

Commenting on Tuesday’s performance, Heath said, “It was an absolutely fantastic performance. Our fitness levels are great and we still looked physically strong at the end of the game. We’ve had two great results after long journeys. To win two away games against difficult opponents without conceding a goal shows the quality of our performances.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game Heath added, “Runcorn are a physically strong side and they will certainly be looking to cause an upset. They have nothing to lose and we fully expect them to come at us from the start. We will need to be patient and play our normal game.”

Carroll commented, “It’s a big game for both sides. As far as our players are concerned, they have a really professional attitude. Each player wants to do his own job on the pitch and expects the same from the rest of the team. There is a tremendous team spirit in the squad. The players expect to win games but that does not mean they are cocky or over-confident. They will treat Runcorn with the respect they deserve.”

Danny Hone is still recovering from an ankle ligament injury and there are injury doubts over defender Paul Robson, thigh, striker Ryan Kendall, back spasm, Danny Clarke and Dean Lisles, both with ankle injuries. Central defender Mark Gray is ineligible after playing for Frickley Athletic in an earlier round.